Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi is a classic dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the sea to your plate in the most delightful way. It features succulent shrimp sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, accented with a touch of lemon for brightness. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta or served with crusty bread, it’s a dish that feels elegant yet simple enough for any night of the week.

I first discovered the magic of Shrimp Scampi at a seaside restaurant, where its aroma alone had me hooked. The buttery garlic sauce enveloping the tender shrimp, with just the right hint of citrus, was an unforgettable experience. Since then, it has become a go-to recipe whenever I want something both quick and indulgent. What’s great about Shrimp Scampi is its flexibility—you can spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes, add fresh herbs like parsley, or even toss in veggies for a personalized twist. It’s a dish that never fails to impress, whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy night at home.

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Date nights
Entertaining guests
Seafood lovers
Quick and easy gourmet meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Shrimp Scampi recipe will be your favorite:

Rich Garlic Butter Sauce: The buttery garlic sauce is full of flavor and perfectly coats the shrimp.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile Pairing: Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Elegant Presentation: A simple dish that looks and tastes restaurant-quality.
Fresh and Zesty: Lemon juice adds a bright and refreshing touch.
High-Protein Meal: Shrimp is a lean protein, making this dish healthy and satisfying.
Perfect for Entertaining: Impress your guests with minimal effort.
Customizable Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Kid-Friendly: Its mild and savory flavors are a hit with the whole family.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with olive oil for a dairy-free alternative.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 20 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges, for serving

Ingredient Highlights

Fresh Shrimp: Provides a sweet and tender base for the dish.
Garlic: Enhances the sauce with its aromatic flavor.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and balances the richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, flip, and cook for another 2 minutes until pink and opaque.
Add Lemon and Butter: Stir in lemon juice and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Shrimp Scampi:

Over Pasta: Toss with linguine or spaghetti for a classic presentation.
With Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice.
With Crusty Bread: Use fresh bread to mop up the flavorful sauce.
Over Zoodles: For a low-carb option, serve over zucchini noodles.
With Mashed Potatoes: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for comfort food vibes.
On a Salad: Top mixed greens with shrimp and drizzle with the buttery sauce as a dressing.
In Tacos: Stuff shrimp and sauce into soft tortillas for seafood tacos.
With Grilled Vegetables: Pair with charred asparagus or zucchini.
As a Tapas Dish: Serve alongside other small plates for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh shrimp, garlic, lemon, and herbs whenever possible to enhance the dish’s flavor.
Marinate the Shrimp: Briefly marinate the shrimp in olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes for extra depth of flavor.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook shrimp until they just turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side, to keep them juicy and tender.
Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the shrimp, deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth to scrape up the flavorful bits.
Boost the Sauce: Add a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter to make the sauce richer and creamier.
Choose the Right Pasta: Pair with thin pasta like angel hair or linguine for a classic scampi feel, or try zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Layer Your Lemon: Use both lemon juice for acidity and lemon zest for a bright, citrusy aroma.
Infuse the Oil: Before adding the shrimp, infuse the olive oil with garlic by gently sautéing it until fragrant—just be careful not to burn it.
Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil at the end for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve Immediately: Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh off the stove to preserve its vibrant flavors and textures.

Recipe Variations

Classic Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: Sauté shrimp in butter, garlic, and olive oil. Finish with fresh lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Serve with crusty bread or pasta.
Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi: Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and thyme. Squeeze extra lemon juice over the shrimp for a zesty twist.
Coconut Shrimp Scampi: Toss shrimp with shredded coconut and sauté them in coconut oil along with garlic and lime juice for a tropical touch.
Spicy Cajun Shrimp Scampi: Use Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, garlic, and butter to add a fiery twist to your classic scampi.
Pesto Shrimp Scampi: Sauté shrimp in olive oil with garlic, then toss in a spoonful of pesto. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread.
Creamy Alfredo Shrimp Scampi: Mix shrimp with a creamy Alfredo sauce made of butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect over linguine or fettuccine.

Special Equipment

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – Essential for cooking the shrimp and sauce evenly.
Zester or Microplane – For grating lemon zest to enhance the dish’s freshness.
Garlic Press – Quickly minces garlic for the recipe.
Chef’s Knife – For slicing or chopping ingredients like parsley or garlic.
Cutting Board – For prepping shrimp and other ingredients.
Colander or Strainer – To drain pasta if serving shrimp scampi with it.
Tongs – For flipping and handling shrimp during cooking.
Juicer or Citrus Press – For squeezing fresh lemon juice with ease.
Grater for Parmesan Cheese – If topping the scampi with freshly grated cheese.

FAQ Section

What is Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp Scampi is a classic Italian-American dish made with shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, olive oil, and lemon juice, often served over pasta.
What kind of shrimp should I use?
Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal for Shrimp Scampi. They can be fresh or frozen, but ensure they are peeled and deveined before cooking.
How long does it take to cook shrimp for scampi?
Shrimp cook quickly—usually in 3-5 minutes. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
What kind of pasta works best with Shrimp Scampi?
Linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta pair wonderfully with the light and flavorful scampi sauce.
Can I add vegetables to Shrimp Scampi?
Yes! Popular additions include cherry tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, or zucchini to add color and nutrients.
Is Shrimp Scampi spicy?
Traditionally, it is not spicy, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Can I make Shrimp Scampi dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace butter with a dairy-free alternative or additional olive oil.
How do I thicken the scampi sauce?
If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) or let the sauce simmer to reduce.
Can Shrimp Scampi be made in advance?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Reheat it gently and cook the shrimp right before serving to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi is a classic, elegant dish that combines tender, succulent shrimp with a buttery garlic sauce infused with bright lemon flavors. Tossed with pasta or served alongside crusty bread, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a family feast, Shrimp Scampi is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.

This versatile recipe allows you to adjust flavors to suit your taste—add a touch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, sprinkle fresh parsley for a burst of color, or even toss in some cherry tomatoes for a sweet, tangy twist. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

I can’t wait to see your Shrimp Scampi creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see how you make this timeless dish your own. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know your favorite variations!